Title: The Fox and the Crow
In a vast green forest called Shantiban, there stood an ancient banyan tree at the center. Its branches were so wide and strong that many birds had built their nests there. On one of the highest branches lived a crow. The crow considered himself very clever, but deep inside he was somewhat proud of himself.
One morning, a housewife in a nearby village had placed some cheese by her window to dry. Seizing the opportunity, the crow flew down and grabbed a piece of cheese in his beak. Happily, he returned to his banyan tree and sat on a branch, thinking, "Today I have found a wonderful meal!"
At that very moment, a fox was passing through the forest. The fox was extremely cunning and intelligent. He had not found proper food for several days. Suddenly, he noticed the piece of cheese in the crow's beak. His mouth began to water. He understood that if he asked directly, the crow would not give it to him. So he decided to use a trick.
The fox stood under the tree and said in a sweet voice, "Oh dear Mr. Crow! I have never seen such a beautiful bird in this forest. Your black feathers shine like dark clouds. Surely your voice must be just as melodious!"
Hearing the praise, the crow swelled with pride. He thought, "See! Others truly recognize my qualities." Still, he held the cheese tightly in his beak. The fox continued, "If only I could hear your sweet song, my day would be complete."
Unable to control himself any longer, the crow opened his beak to sing. At that very moment, the piece of cheese fell to the ground. The fox quickly grabbed it and ate it.
The crow looked on in shock. The fox laughed and said, "My friend, when you get carried away by flattery, this is what happens." With that, he walked away.
The crow felt deeply ashamed. He thought, "I considered myself very clever, yet I was fooled by a few sweet words." He promised himself that he would never again be misled by false praise.
From the next day onward, the crow became much more careful. Whenever someone praised him, he first thought about the reason behind it. The other birds of the forest also learned a lesson from the crow's experience.
A few days later, the fox returned to the forest. But this time, the crow was alert. No matter how much the fox praised him, the crow did not open his beak. Eventually, the fox gave up and left.
Thus, the story of the fox and the crow became a lesson for all the animals of Shantiban.
Moral: Do not be carried away by false praise; always remain wise and alert.